The journey between Mozambique and South Africa is a whole lot shorter now. This is thanks to a bridge connecting Kosi Bay in KZN and Maputo, Mozambique.
With the summer holidays mere weeks away, no longer will holidaymakers have to take the long arduous road to Mozambique. According to Provincial Government, the trip from the border at Kosi Bay to Maputo, will now only take 90 minutes, including ferry crossings.
With the bridge officially launched on Saturday, November 10, this bridge promises more than a quicker journey to Maputo. KZN Economic Development MEC Sihle Zikalala believes the bridge will boost both South Africa and Mozambique’s economy.
He explains this will be done through job creation. As the bridge will enhance trading opportunities, as importing and exporting will be made easier.
Furthermore, it will boost tourism in both countries. This, in turn, will see further economic development.
But these are not the only reasons that make the bridge so special. Over the past four years, China has apparently funnelled in a substantial amount of money into the construction of the bridge. In fact, China picked up the bulk of the $726 million (R10.4 billion) tab.
The construction of the bridge was undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The three-kilometre bridge is also the longest suspension bridge in Africa.
With the bridge cutting the journey down from six hours to a measly 90 minutes, there will be a price to crossing it.
South Africans will need to fork out approximately R37 to go over the bridge. Mozambicans will need to pay $2.60 or 158.19 Mozambican Metical.
As the bridge joins two neighbouring African countries, opening the doors to new economic development, it truly signifies the potential of growth in both countries. It is also sure to offer a sigh of relief of those yearning to travel to Mozambique but don’t want to fork out the cash for petrol costs.
